“I am overjoyed to be given the opportunity to run for the B.A.A. Knowing the strong history behind the Boston Athletic Association and the people involved made the decision easy,” Bates said in a Team B.A.A. press release. “I am looking forward to making the B.A.A. and the rest of Boston proud to support me leading into the Olympic year of 2016, and beyond.”

The 24-year-old Bates had been mulling offers from sponsors and professional teams prior to this summer's USA Outdoor Championships, where she placed 11th.

The B.A.A. team is a professional team that emphasizes distances from 800 meters up to the marathon. Terrence Mahon, the head coach, has coached some of the top distance runners in the country including numerous Olympic and World Championship finalists.

B.A.A.

“Emma is one of the top athletes coming out of the NCAA ranks,” said Mahon. “We are excited to develop her professional career here in Boston.”

Bates, a Minnesota native, earned 12 All-American accolades while competing for Boise State. In her last season with the Broncos, Bates placed 3rd at the NCAA Cross Country Championships, and had two top ten finishes at the NCAA Outdoor Championships. She also raced for Team USA in Scotland, finishing sixth against international competition.